Word for the Week

Week beginning: 26th January, 2014

By Mhairi Hamilton | Ashford

"The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with Moses, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty …"

Exodus 34:5-7 (ESV)

What's in a name?

In the bible names are significant, a signpost for a person's character. Here God expands on the meaning of his name as the LORD. We find a picture of His unfailing love, faithfulness, and desire for justice. As the Old Testament continues we see God's character remain constant, even in light of Israel's erratic behaviour and endless rebellion.

What does your name say of you?

As lawyers, our job titles often carry negative preconceptions. And being Christians, this too is unfortunately often met with confusion and prejudice. Among your colleagues, what are you known for? What characteristics are attached to your name by your clients?

As children of God, we should daily seek to reflect His values and attributes, and remain faithful even when our circumstances seek to pull us to conform to the ever-changing world. As Paul reminds the Corinthians, that with God in us, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed" (2 Corinthians 4 v8, NIV).

Let's ask our Lord for His grace to reflect more of Him in our lives today – and may we be known for characters that reveal God.

Prayer Points:

• Praise God for His faithfulness, grace and heart for justice.• Pray that we would reflect more of God in our lives and that this would be consistently evident to our clients and colleagues.